617. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if Bus Éireann will increase the capacity on a post primary school transport route to cater for the 11 students (details supplied) who have were on this service last year. [65751/26]

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning, timetabling of school transport routes and issuing of tickets on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

The scheme is demand-led based on the number of eligible children who apply.

Bus Eireann has advised that the service referred to by the Deputy (G233) has now been upgraded and will operate from Monday 14/09/2026.